“I loved her.”

“And he intends to marry someone else.”

“Yes.”

“You can't!”

“Who are you to say that? You never called your sister Diana. You never even answered her messages. For a long time, Daphne tried to contact you, but you didn't even bother to tell her if you were alive. Years after your sister's death, you have the nerve to show up here and demand anything from me? Be honest, what do you want?”

“I'm only thinking of the best for my nieces.”

“You don't even know them.”

“I came here to change that.”

“You won't see them.”

“You can't stop me.”

“Yes, I can! I'm their father, and you're an aunt who's never shown her face. No judge in their right mind would give you any rights. Believe me, I know many.”

“I thought he'd be more receptive to me.”

“Go away.” I indicated the door.

“You don't...”

“You can go on your own,” I interrupted, “or wait for security to accompany you. I advise you to choose the first alternative.”

She pursed her lips but didn't have the audacity to swear at me out loud.

I had no idea why my late wife's sister was there, but the only thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't going to let her near my daughters. Whatever that woman's intentions, it was my role to protect my twins.

When he realized that he couldn't convince me of anything, he puffed out his chest and left the room as if he had somehow won.

I picked up the phone on the table and dialed my secretary.

“Violet?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Tell the gate that I don't want them to let Diana up without me being informed.”

“Sorry, as she's your wife's sister...”

“Just let me know.”

“No problem.”

I hung up the call and took the velvet box back out of my pocket.

I didn't know what she was doing there, but I wasn't going to let her ruin my happiness.

Chapter forty-one

“Luke, watch your backpack.” I adjusted the strap on my student's back as he ran outside when it was time to leave.

“Bye, teacher.”